Willie’s Restaurants Hires Gregory Lippert as CEO

Willie’s Restaurants hired Gregory Lippert as president and chief executive officer of the Houston-based restaurant group that operates Willie’s Grill & Icehouse and Fajita Willie’s Cafe and Cantina.

Lippert has more than 30 years of experience as CEO, COO and CMO of national and regional restaurant brands to his new position at Willie’s. His career includes extensive experience in taking brands to critical mass in addition to prototype development. He also takes pride in serving on national and state restaurant and community volunteer-based boards.

Prior to joining Willie’s Restaurants, Lippert served as CEO of Taco Mac, which resulted in the brand’s successful sale to Fresh Hospitality. He was also CEO of Quaker Steak & Lube where he reversed negative sales trends in just seven months and lead the acquisition by Travel Centers of America. Before Quaker Steak & Lube, Lippert directed 155 Mazzio’s, Zio’s Italian Kitchen, and Oliveto restaurants with 2,900 employees in eight states as CEO of Mazzio’s Corporation. Earlier in his career, Lippert held brand and marketing positions of increasing responsibility at Fazoli’s, the Seven-Up Company, and Procter & Gamble.